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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVYMASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER OF THE NAVYMCPON’s 2012-2013 CPO 365 GuidanceCPO 365 started anew September 17, 2012. We have now authored two compelling chapters in aformidable narrative that defines the journey from First Class Petty Officer (FCPO) to the Chiefs’Mess and energizes the strength intrinsic to our gold fouled anchors. This is your success story,brought to life by creatively blending 119 years of prominent tradition with a passionate commitmentto provide the leadership our Sailors demand and should expect from the Chief Petty Officers’ Mess.We are all beneficiaries of this evolving process to Zero in on Excellence . First Classes, Chiefs, theWardroom, our Total Force and have a vital stake in keeping it on an upward trajectory.Necessity and nature dictate that we constantly breathe new life into it if we want the practice toremain relevant and to effectively support the CNO’s Sailing Directions and his tenets of warfightingfirst, operating forward and being ready.Messes spanning the globe have infused CPO 365 with their own unique spirit. As CPOs movebetween duty stations, that spirit becomes transient and takes root in distant places. Good ideas bornin Pohang are suddenly part of the plan in Pensacola, and a training curriculum devised in Norfolktakes center stage in Naples. Regardless of geographic coordinates, it is open minds and focusedobjectives that are the common denominators of enduring progress. Vertical and horizontalcollaboration among counterparts also has phenomenal potential in dispersing best practices. It isokay, even encouraged, to share how your Messes are keeping the fire alive for 12 months and toemulate what others are doing that might work well inside our own lifelines.My guidance for CPO 365 will seem familiar in many respects but fundamentally different in others.The process is gaining tangible traction and growing in scope. The ingenuity of our Chiefs in fusingmission requirements with opportunities to conduct productive training will keep us methodicallymoving in the right direction. I want to reiterate the significance of instilling fundamentals like goodorder and discipline, our Core Values and the Navy Ethos early on, and of reinforcing themthroughout the year with practical application. Additionally, look for occasions to incorporateinteraction with the Wardroom. Many officers I’ve met expressed their enthusiasm for enhancing therelationship between our communities. We should leverage every chance to do so as these are thefuture flag officers, commanding officers and department heads who will take our Fleet over thehorizon.Effective immediately, this guidance and our process will be called CPO 365 - and CPO 365 only.“Induction” is hereby officially and respectfully sundowned. CPO 365 will consist of twophases. Phase 1 starts September 17 and concludes when the NAVADMIN announcing CPOselection results is released. All FCPOs will participate throughout the duration of Phase 1regardless of whether they are board-eligible or not.Page 1 of 13
Phase 2 starts when the NAVADMIN announcing CPO selection is released and concludes with thePinning Ceremony. All FCPOs will also remain engaged in primary training events during Phase 2,although there will be specific instances where CPO Selectees conduct separate sessions (i.e.fundraising, CPO Selectee Leadership Course and others to be determined by CMCs).When we announce the selection results for Chief Petty Officers, we will congratulate our FCPOs ontheir selection and conduct a celebratory Meet-and-Greet for them and their families. We will thencontinue with the same principled, professional leadership training that we should have beenconducting all year. We will NOT abruptly start using a different tone or harsh style of training (aswas customarily practiced at some locations in the past). We will respect and treat those that havebeen selected to become Chief Petty Officers in the same way that we treat each other and that isNOT open to interpretation.For CPOs and Selectees, Phase 2 will contain many of the same time-honored traditions we’veembraced for years, including CPO Charge Books, meet-and-greets, and a capstone event focused onthe critical relevance of teamwork and resilience. However, Phase 2 will not result in Selecteesbeing TAD from their commands in secrecy for six weeks, or our Messes involved in any conductthat requires us to review the Hazing Policy before we start. The capstone event, referred to as the―Final Test‖ will last no more than 18 hours and conclude no later than Midnight on the eveningbefore pinning.If our process is truly CPO 365, all FCPOs will be afforded the opportunity for consistent year-roundprofessional development. Will the group dynamics change once board-eligibility is determined andagain when Selectees are identified? Absolutely! But we must work through these challenges andstay committed to developing the leadership skills of every FCPO – it is my #1 priority.Developing effective leaders does not happen in a few short weeks - it is a continuous and neverending process. CPO 365 is the single sustained method we will use to train, build and developChief Petty Officers.I am not taking anything away from the processes we have effectively used in the past or from thosethat have trained or been trained by those processes. They worked well for their time and solidlyestablished the prominence of our CPO Mess. However many of my mentors, both active andretired, have taught me that continuous improvement requires change. The United States Navy hasbeen in a constant state of change since 1775 and our ability to adapt and overcome challenge hasalways been one of the Chief Petty Officers’ greatest hallmarks. The changes I am implementingwith this guidance continue a logical, necessary and steady evolution at work for 119 years, one thatrecognizes both the environment in which we operate and the critical need to develop leaders forsuccess in the modern era. It is simply about controlling what we own.CPO 365 needs to challenge FCPOs physically and intellectually, and to hone the basic tenets ofteamwork, time management and tenacity throughout the year. With honest all-around effort duringPhases 1 and 2, CPOs and FCPOs will have a solid foundation that supports heightened success. OurFinal Test and the pinning ceremony are imperative finishing touches the time-honored tiesconnecting the illustrious legacy of those who went before us to the inspirational potential of thosewho will lead the next generation of Sailors, and ensuring the legacy of excellence remains strongand true.Page 2 of 13
Make safety and situational awareness your principal considerations in every training event.Anticipate and mitigate risk ahead of time as you do with all other evolutions, and do not confuselegitimate tradition with archaic antics that can lead to injury or misplaced criticism of our methods.Intervene immediately if necessary to prevent someone from getting hurt or if you see Shipmatesstepping over the lines of acceptable conduct. Mentorship and bystander intervention have beenMess strengths for years and are key practices that we must teach to our Sailors through example.Involve families early and often. Keep them up to speed on training schedules and invite them toparticipate whenever possible. Transparency and frequent family engagement goes much further indemonstrating the importance of them to our readiness and career success. They will welcome theinclusion.CPO 365 is consequential career development to produce new Chief Petty Officers throughchallenging, but controlled, mental and physical activities. Done correctly, it will never come closeto anything that can be construed as hazing. Keep the process positive and professionallyprovocative. Tested, Tried and Accepted is still a precise maxim if we employ innovative methodsthat balance adversity with encouragement, endurance with acceptance, and conflict with provenpaths to resolution. ―Dos and Do-Nots‖ remain in place to eliminate room for interpretation onspecific subjects that can run counter to our desired end-state. Respect the dignity and welfare ofSelectees while pushing them to new limits. They deserve, and I expect, nothing less.CMCs are singularly accountable for the safe, successful execution of training. They will be keenlyinvolved from beginning to end. Aside from thorough process preparation, CMCs will briefCommanders/Commanding Officers on their local CPO 365 process and provide regular updates tokeep them informed of progress. This will not be viewed as an ―If-I-feel-like-it‖ program. As ChiefPetty Officers, it is our duty and responsibility to train our reliefs, and we must I repeat mustbe all-in and fully engaged with CPO 365. CMC leadership reinforces the conviction that CPO 365is instrumental to the professional growth of Sailors and relevant to command esprit de corps.We should all be proud of our CPO 365 program and possess confidence that it preserves traditionwhile preparing our FCPOs for promotion to the next paygrade. Both objectives stand essential tothe esteem of our Mess and the professional prosperity of our Sailors. CPO 365 was an originalconcept of the Fleet and developed by the Fleet. Your leadership, your commitment and your energyare the fuel of this process they will keep this distinguished institution, our U.S. Navy Chief PettyOfficers’ Mess, vibrant and meaningful.The duties and responsibilities of a Chief Petty Officer are for professionals only. We are the mostrespected group of enlisted leaders in the world and must ensure that we provide the type and level oftraining that ensures this remains true today and in the future. Please download my CPO 365 videomessage and watch it with your Mess at your next CPO 365 session. I am proud of each of you andam confident that you will embrace this guidance and get after it like only Chiefs can.MIKE STEVENSMaster Chief Petty Officer of the NavyPage 3 of 13
General Guidance for CPO 365This guidance does not include every aspect of how we train new Chief Petty Officers nor does itspecify every right or wrong. CPO 365 guidance allows CMCs the flexibility to conduct training theway they see fit, but do not confuse my intent. Every event will be planned in alignment with theNavy Ethos and our Core Values. It is up to you to train and develop the Sailors under your chargeand when they prove themselves to you accept them into our Mess. I trust every one of you toensure that when these leaders are accepted into our Mess, they’ve earned that honor.The two phases of CPO 365 are designed to ensure we are continually and steadily preparing ourFCPOs to enter the Mess on Friday, September 13. As leaders, do not rely on a 5-to 6-week periodto effectively prepare our First Class Petty Officers as full-up and ready to wear Anchors.Ensure Reserve Component FCPOs are incorporated into the command’s CPO 365 process. ReserveComponent Selected Reserve (SELRES) Selectees who travel long distances to drill are authorized tocomplete Phase 2 at their closest Navy Reserve Activity (NRA). Our SELRES Sailors should not bepenalized because of the reduced time they have to apply to the process. Commands need to embracethese differences, bring them on board as part of the team, and provide training like any other FCPO.The following phases of development and training (CPO 365) are examples of what shouldoccur as we engage our FCPOs and prepare them to enter the Chiefs’ Mess.Phase 1: Begins September 17 and concludes when the NAVADMIN announcing CPO selection isreleased. It is used to build the foundation in the year-round training cycle. This phase sparks theteamwork and initial training to engage the FCPOs on their road to becoming Chief Petty Officers.All FCPOs will participate throughout Phase 1, regardless of whether they are board-eligible or not. CPO Mess trains FCPO Mess on CPO expectations and responsibilities;Perform fitness and nutritional assessments of all FCPOs to develop personal training planthat will foster sound physical readiness. Utilize Personal Training Plans to provideconstructive guidance to FCPOs. The Navy Fitness Training Plan web site includesnumerous other resources that can be considered;Visit the Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling Series (NOFFS) web site to identify workoutstailored to your platform, location and individual FCPOs – a great way to get Sailors atdifferent fitness levels involved in a group workout;Participate in community service events with CPO/FCPO Messes. This includes, but is notlimited to, CPO runs in conjunction with local road races/fun runs and contributions to othercommunity relations efforts such as facilities/landmark restoration projects;Conduct periodic CPO/FCPO/Wardroom combined training/teambuilding and PT events;Visit/Conduct training at Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) and Navy and MarineCorps Relief Society office;Conduct regular FCPO Mess Training:o Possible subjects include Sponsor and Indoctrination, CDBs, Mentorship,Recognition, Perform-to-Serve, Navy Equal Opportunity, DAPA/UPC, SAPR,FAP, ORM, and Heritage Junior Officer interaction, Manning (EDVR andAMD), EFM, CACO, Heritage and Chiefs’ Mess Training [CMT])Conduct Career Development Boards (CDB) on all non-board eligible FCPOs.Page 4 of 13
Phase 2: Begins when the NAVADMIN announcing CPO selection is released and is designed asthe final training period to prepare Selectees for entry into the Chiefs’ Mess. This phase culminateswith the Final Test on September 12, followed by a pinning ceremony on Friday, September 13,2013. All FCPOs will participate throughout Phase 2, although there will be instances where CPOSelectees conduct separate sessions (specific events to be determined by Command Master Chiefs). Conduct CDBs on all non-selected FCPOs;Continue regular core CPO 365 training for non-selected FCPOs;Conduct Meet-and-Greet with Selectees and families;Conduct Selectee Spouse Symposium;Assign Charge Books;Complete Chief Petty Officer Selectee Leadership Course (CPOSLC);Conduct CPO/Selectee/Wardroom combined training/teambuilding and PT events;Perform fundraising necessary to cover Phase 2 Selectee expenses only;Complete heritage training;Conduct an official BCA and PFA on all FCPOs selected for advancement to CPO;Perform Final Test;Perform Pinning Ceremony.At the end of Phase 2, when our Selectees have earned their Anchors, I expect they will look back atCPO 365 as one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their career. We are in thebusiness of building, developing and challenging Senior Enlisted Leadership. Do it professionally!NotificationThis is an important aspect of Phase 2 and sets the expectations of the Selectees, Chiefs’ Mess,Wardrooms, crew and spouses. CMCs should coordinate with the Commanding Officer or OIC prior to release of SelectionBoard results to determine the best method to inform those selected or not selected. Due tothe many means to communicate this information and the way our Sailors are operating, it’soften times impractical or impossible to hold selection results in abeyance until leadershiphas been informed. Commands must employ the best notification method for theenvironment in which they are operating. Ensure each non-selected FCPO is appropriately notified and given a CDB as soon asoperationally feasible. This single event could be the most important part of CPO 365 whendeveloping future Chiefs. Non-Selected FCPOs are valued members of the command and theNavy and by conducting these CDBs, our Mess can place them on a course for selection inthe future. I recognize the challenge here, but trust our Mess to continue to train our FCPOsthroughout this period and rise to the occasion as we always do. Selected Reservists participating in authorized training events MUST be in a drill status. Inorder to allow for maximum participation, SELRES personnel (CPOs and FCPOs) mayutilize ―non-paid additional drills.‖ Incremental IDT periods may be utilized for SELRESthat are unable to meet the full IDT Period. At no time will any SELRES personnelparticipate in any CPO 365 events without being on some type of orders.Page 5 of 13
Selectee Meet-and-GreetThis is an occasion for Selectees to introduce themselves to the Mess. Successful ones set the tonefor a ―positive experience‖ by involving families and immediately communicating to them, the intentand history of CPO 365. There is plenty of time during Phase 2 to conduct training for Selectees –the Meet-and-Greet will focus on discussing the process and welcoming families as soon as possible.Spouse Involvement during Phase 2During Phase 2 of training, it is key to further establish a connection with the family and givespouses a schedule annotating events they are invited to attend. Based on current operations andOPTEMPO, inclusion of our CPO families has never been more important than today. We havecome a long way in increasing the involvement of families in CPO 365. Because it one of the mostcritical aspects of the process, it is an area where we should look for even more opportunities toengage. Issues such as distance and timing can impact the desired level of participation; therefore analternate means of disseminating the vital information should be included in the planning process. Conduct a Meet-and-Greet that involves families and communicates the purpose of CPO365. It should be both educational and enjoyable for CPOs, Selectees and family members.Do not conduct training at this event. Include spouses or significant others of deployed Selectees in any event to which familymembers are invited. Request a Chief’s, Senior Chief’s or Master Chief’s spouse to act as a mentor for the CPOSelectee’s spouse. In addition to the CPO Selectee’s sponsor, this provides the CPOSelectee’s spouse another military spouse with whom to communicate. Guidelines for CPO Spouses is a publication written for and by CPO spouses; it is anexcellent tool to help family members understand their new Chief’s role and responsibilities.CMCs should make this publication available to all Selectees’ family members. Although anoutstanding resource, it should complement a personal brief by the CMC, not replace it. Base/Region/Command-wide CPO Selectee Spouse information symposiums/forums shouldbe a part of Phase 2. These have proven to be beneficial events for our new Chief PettyOfficer spouses. When possible, seminars/forums should be a coordinated effort betweenMesses to strengthen the process and the information/training made available. Embrace the use of social media to include your families and spouses, including those whoare geographically separated. Social media ensures family and friends are able to share thisimportant career milestone and demonstrates the transparency now associated with CPO 365.Sponsor AssignmentSponsors play a significant role and are keys to success throughout the CPO 365 process. It iscritical that leadership takes the time to match the right Sponsor with the right Selectee. Be alert forSponsors who appear to lose steam; first counsel, and then remove the Sponsor if a course correctionis not made. If a circumstance arises where a primary or alternate Sponsor cannot be present at atraining event, it is imperative that another CPO is designated and present to assist.Page 6 of 13
Training GuidelinesConduct training and activities in a group format. Training must not interfere with operations or beheld at the expense of mission accomplishment. CMCs are responsible for maintaining a balancebetween operational requirements and CPO 365 events, and for ensuring the chain of command hassituational awareness throughout the process. I expect CMCs to brief their Commanders/Commanding Officers on the training plan, gain approval and then brief the wardroom. An informedwardroom can provide substantial support. Safety and ORM should be at the forefront for all evolutions being conducted. The Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) unveiled a new Chief PettyOfficer Selectee Leadership Course (CPPD-LEAD09-004) in September 2012. It isavailable for download on NKO. It has 14 topics divided into three units and includescontent such as: Leading and managing a division as a Chief; Mentoring and supportingjunior officers; Communicating effectively within the chain of command; and Executing theexpectations of your leadership triad. Ensure the following topics are addressed and trained to throughout CPO 365.oooooooooooooooCNO’s Sailing Directions and Navigation PlanMCPON’s Zeroing in on Excellence Initiative21st Century Sailor and MarineNavy Operational Stress ControlSexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR)Suicide Awareness and PreventionCommand Managed Equal OpportunityEthicsFamily Advocacy TrainingNavy Alcohol and Drug Abuse PreventionSexual Harassment PolicyHazing PolicyFraternization PolicyBrilliant on the Basics (BoB)CPO Mess Training (CMT) at NKO Use this opportunity to discuss the Brilliant on the Basics (BoB) Guide. CMCs shouldprovide every FCPO a copy of the BoB guide to train on and become familiar withthroughout the year. Knowing and executing the six elements of BoB will make all FCPOsand our current Chiefs a more informed group and further strengthen our Mess. You may utilize the CPO 365 Development Guide as a resource in compiling your localPersonnel Qualification Standards. This document is modeled on successful versions usedpreviously at different locations around the Fleet, and emphasizes many of the priority topicsthat are relevant in today’s Navy. The CPO 365 Development Guide should be augmentedwith local references and resources, but duplication of requirements must be minimized toprevent undue consumption of FCPO time. Select/create activities which support and teach our Navy Ethos and Core Values.Page 7 of 13
Physical Fitness TrainingPhysical Fitness is a continual process, whether group or individually based, and builds camaraderiequicker than almost any other activity. We can benefit even further by capitalizing on Navyprograms/resources available to assist in developing/maintaining physical fitness habits.The Navy Operational Fueling and Fitness Series (NOFFS) may be downloaded from CNIC’sFitness, Sports and Deployed Forces web site at www.Navyfitness.org. Prior to participating in any Physical Training, any/all personnel must meet requirements setforth in OPNAVINST 6110.1J (screened and medically cleared) Conduct one-on-one fitness assessments of individual FCPOs and develop personal trainingplans using form at http://www.navy-prt.com/files/Personal Training Plan.pdf. An official PFA will be conducted IAW OPNAV 6110.1J at the completion of Phase 2 toprovide the Commanding Officer with necessary frocking information. Commands willperform the PFA in the Navy Physical Training Uniform (PTU). PT should follow a building-block process that gradually increases aerobic capacity andmuscular strength. Start out with short runs and simple calisthenics. Emphasize proper formearly and avoid events that could injure personnel unaccustomed to high-intensity exercise.Remember to have medical personnel present at all physical training evolutions. PT should be group-oriented, build camaraderie and reflect a strong sense of esprit-de-corpsamong the FCPOs and the Chiefs. During PT sessions, the only authorized attire is the Navy Physical Training Uniform (PTU),which will be worn in compliance with Navy Uniform Regulations. CPO Pride T-shirts areencouraged for wear at events such as fundraising, COMREL projects and social gatherings. Selected Reservists will not participate in any structured PT events unless on/under orders.FundraisingWorking closely with the treasurer, the CMC will approve, monitor and account for all Selecteefundraising and expenditures. Selectees are not authorized to engage in individual fundraisingcampaigns or to accept private donations. Funds raised by Selectees during CPO 365 will be strictlylimited to cover direct costs of their professional development and unit cohesion (i.e. Charge Books/Vessels, Meet-and-Greets, T-Shirts, recognition packages, etc.). Excess funds will NOT becontributed to Messes, or used to purchase Khaki Ball tickets or provide seed money for the nextyear’s CPO 365 - they should be donated to Navy charitable organizations. Remember, fundraisingis a minor part of CPO 365. Fundraising time will not come close to superseding training time.Navy RetireesOur retiree community is a national presence. Find retired Chiefs, brief them on this document andthe guidelines to be adhered to in the conduct of CPO 365, encourage them to participate, and toshare their experiences with our Mess. Remind these men and women that retirement does not meanthey have been forgotten; they are a precious resource we must continue to cultivate and involve inCPO 365 and Mess activities year round.Page 8 of 13
History and HeritageTake every opportunity to emphasize history, heritage and Naval traditions. Our strength is linked toour past. Utilize the Naval History and Heritage Command website at: http://www.history.navy.mil Teach your command and Navy history. It is important for new FCPOs to be connected withand fully understand our past as we continue to forge the future. An example of heritage is that many Messes now maintain their guidon from year-to-year.Just imagine, a CMC going back to the command they made CPO at 10 years before andshowing those Selectees their name on the streamer. Ideas like that keep our Mess strong andCPO 365 relevant. Many areas where our forces are located have rich naval history and many maritime venuesto utilize during the course of the year use them. This drives home where we’ve been andcontinues to build upon the foundation from those who have gone before us. Have Selectees learn a part of our history and present it to the Mess. That education can bederived from books or personal conversations with our veterans and retired CPOs.Charge BooksCharge Books are steeped in the celebrated lore of CPO tradition; one of the most prominent andtreasured symbols of a Sailor’s transition to the Mess. Before constructing Charge Books, Selecteesshould be well-versed on the origins and true intent of the instrument. CPOs should emphasize thosehistorical references throughout Phase 2 and provide thoughtful entries that are consistent with theoriginal purpose of sharing personal experiences to develop enlisted leaders.Charge Books should be constructed with the expectation that your Selectees will want to proudlydisplay and refer to them for many years. They should have ample space to post CPO entries/memories throughout their career, to include entries by retired Chiefs. Eventually, the final entryshould be a retirement letter from the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.The use of electronically generated entries is authorized for those situations in which your travel ordeployment schedule would prevent you from being able to pass along words of wisdom to Sailors.Service SongStandardize the use of our Service Song, Anchors Aweigh. Whenever Anchors Aweigh is played aspart of an official ceremony, function or event, all Navy personnel not in formation will immediatelycome to attention, face the source of the music, and stand-fast until the song has ended. Personnel information will be brought to attention and the formation commander will face in the direction of themusic. Chief Petty Officers should comply with these guidelines when in uniform or civilian attire.Whenever Anchors Aweigh is played during non-official ceremonial functions/events (i.e., athleticcompetitions, PT, CPO training), all current and former Chief Petty Officers should join in thesinging of our service song if it is deemed applicable by the Senior CPO present.Other service/nation participationOther service/nation participation is no longer authorized. The development of a Chief Petty Officeris a process that primarily starts on the day a Sailor is advanced to FCPO and begins CPO 365. Itcan, in no way, be replicated in a few short weeks.Page 9 of 13
Final Test (Thursday, September 12, 2013) The Final Test will be a culmination of all training provided during CPO 365. It mustgalvanize the basic attributes of trust, teamwork, dedication and endurance through practicalapplication of knowledge, skills and abilities acquired throughout the year. Executefunctional checks on:oooooooLeadershipCritical ThinkingCompetency (Tailored to specific warfare communities or geographic areas)Knowledge (Brilliant on the Basics and other programs and policies)Fitness (Incorporating all aspects of NOFFS)History and HeritageAcceptance (Determined by demonstrated leadership/teamwork during Final Test) Our new Chief Petty Officers must demonstrate the composure and confidence necessary toeffectively lead Sailors and within the Mess. The Final Test should validate your Mess’CPO 365 training topics and techniques, and leave you convinced that your Selectees areready for their new roles. Use a serious tone that conveys the gravity of this milestone. When our Selectees haveAnchors pinned on their collars and become fellow Chiefs on September 13, I expect theywill look back at CPO 365 as the most rewarding experience of their careers. It’s up to youto ensure they do. Design Battle Station-like events for the Final Test. These battle station events will reflectour Navy Core Values and fully support the spirit and intent of CPO 365. The Final Test may begin at 0600 on September 12. It must conclude no later than 2359 onSeptember 12. Remove members from the events who are not following established guidelines and whennecessary, hold them accountable. Communicate that participation in the Final Test is limited to active, reserve and retiredChiefs. The Mess may invite their CO/OIC and Executive Officers. It must be understood by all participants that the Final
MCPON's 2012-2013 CPO 365 Guidance CPO 365 started anew September 17, 2012. We have now authored two compelling chapters in a formidable narrative that defines the journey from First Class Petty Officer (FCPO) to the Chiefs' Mess and energizes the strength intrinsic to our gold fouled anchors.
